Australia, Fiji establish coalition to address impact of HIV/AIDS on business

reports (Fiji Times, 7/22). According to FABC President Caz Tebbutt Dennis, the business coalition will help companies develop policies such as voluntary HIV/AIDS testing among workers. According to Tebbutt Dennis, the economic loss from HIV/AIDS in Asia is about $10 billion and could increase to $24 billion in the next few years if adequate steps are not taken to address the disease (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 7/21). Steven Vete, development subregional coordinator for UNAIDS' Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV, said, "The involvement of private sector leaders is crucial if we are to succeed in reversing the tide of HIV in the Pacific. It is crucial for a number of reasons: At the global level, nine out of 10 people living with HIV are adults in their most productive years. Two out of three people living with HIV... [read full story]